If we liked Slovenia, where else ..?

[Yika]

We (single mum me with my tween DD) are just back from Slovenia. We loved the diversity of activities, the beautiful scenery and mountain air, the hikes (me), adventure sports (DD) and the lakes. Where could we go next that would provide a similar mix?

Thanks op

what accom did you stay in? Tempted to just book them!

Just to say - sounds like DH, DS and I did the same Slovenia holiday as you but in 2019.

What activities would you recommend? Both mine very gung-ho and adrenaline junkies

These are all fantastic ideas - keep them coming! Kayaking in Brandenburg sounds original and fun, had not heard of that one before.

@Endlesslypatient82 Canyoning and paragliding looked fun for the more adventurous - we didn't do them however. We also saw some quite fun and original things advertised such as underground mountain biking or kayaking (caves also seem to be quite a thing). White water kayaking, white water rafting, SUP tours etc...you will not be bored! I think it's the perfect destination for thrill-seekers. I suggest you have a look directly on the Slovenian tourist websites, we only saw a tiny part of what Slovenia has to offer!

The caves are unbelievable and the biggest in Europe I believe. There is even a railway inside. And it's so well-organised. Cave train tours leave on the dot.

@Yika south of Berlin the Spreewald - the forest area around the Spree river which runs through Berlin - is completely unexpected. Great for cycling.

If you like adventures Mayrhofen in the Alps is amazing but it is quite hard to get there - once there the public transport is fab. Look it up, it literally has everything from ice cave tours and summer skiing on a glacier, canyoning, climbing, ziplines and paragliding, hiking, biking, etc.

Love Slovenia! Slovakia is also lovely, as is Croatia. We are in Montenegro at the moment and it is stunning and the people are so welcoming.

I'd like to go to Corfu and over the Albania for my next trip

Zagreb in Croatia is stunning!! Bratislava in Slovakia is gorgeous too!

Budapest is definitely worth a trip too!

Bulgaria, down south in the Rhodope Mountains. Fly to Sofia, have an explore, down to lovely Plovdiv and then to the mountains. You would really need a car.

Switzerland. Expensive though.

Slovenia is lovely!

Look at North Italy - anywhere in the Dolomites. Also Croatia, Bavaria, Austria.

Maybe Morocco?

Op any chance you could give some accom recommendations? Going to try to squeeze in a much needed holiday before schools back but full time single mum (hence posting at 5.50 on a Sunday am!) and it would be great to just book based on a rec rather than the hours of research I usually put in to it! TIA

As for my rec to you, I adored every nano second of Croatia.

Sudtirol, in Northern Italy: Dolomites, lakes, hikes, ziplining, fantastic food
nearest airport is Verona or Venice

Lake Annecy in French alps - it's my happy place

Switzerland but prices will be different!

Ha, Yika, we‘re in the Soca valley right now, it’s stunningly gorgeous. A few years ago we were in the Bohinj area too.
Where it reminds us of most is Ötztal in Austria. Lots of family-friendly hikes and river activities, plus a lovely spa for a rainy day. We stayed in Solden, which is mainly a ski resort in winter, so a lot more low-key in summer. We drove there, but from the UK it’s closest to Innsbruck airport.
We go kayaking on the lakes of Brandenburg most weekends in summer, so PM me if you want more specific information. My word of caution would be that the area outside Berlin and Brandenburg is pretty undeveloped for non-German speaking tourists, and the locals can be a little….gruff. It’s extremely flat there too, not a mountain in sight. The Spreewald is completely unique and very few non-Germans go there, but I wouldn’t want to spend more than a few days canoeing around the waterways (most of which have been closed off this year because the water levels are too low).

Thanks for the further suggestions! Another vote for Austria I see - will definitely be investigating further, as well as Switzerland and the Balkans. Morocco is food for thought - good call.

Yes I can imagine that Brandenburg and Spreewald aren't very well set up other than for local tourism. But definitely an idea to keep in mind for one day.

Sorry, missed that @Endlesslypatient82. Not sure I would necessarily recommend the places we stayed in particular. As I say I booked fairly last minute and took what I could get. It was all fine but I might pick a different itinerary and accommodation next time. Good luck for your last minute planning and thanks for the Croatia recommendation. Definitely heading back to this corner of the world I think, whether Italy, Austria, Croatia or the Balkans!

Also taking note of the French recommendations. I love France.